AuthorTopic: Sub upgrade, anyone using PRX818XLFW? (Read 1407 times)

I'm long overdue for a sub upgrade and looking at the PRX818XLFW or KW181. Anyone have experience with both and how do they compare? Specs look close other than the HPF on the JBL.I'm currently running K12's as tops. Typical shows are 200-500 people at weddings and clubs. Mostly showbands or tribute acts, not heavy rock shows but do need some low end.It looks like the 818 is similar to the 718 so that would also be a valid comparison.

I'm long overdue for a sub upgrade and looking at the PRX818XLFW or KW181. Anyone have experience with both and how do they compare? Specs look close other than the HPF on the JBL.I'm currently running K12's as tops. Typical shows are 200-500 people at weddings and clubs. Mostly showbands or tribute acts, not heavy rock shows but do need some low end.It looks like the 818 is similar to the 718 so that would also be a valid comparison.

What are you upgrading from?

I've got the PRX718XLFs and I'm pretty happy with them. The combination of output, extended frequency response, overall smoothness and size/weight at that price point is really good.

TBH I got both mine at a discounted price when the were discontinued. If I were looking now at the PRX800 series price point I'd probably consider the offerings by SRX, Yamaha, JTR and others In the next price bracket.

I've got the PRX718XLFs and I'm pretty happy with them. The combination of output, extended frequency response, overall smoothness and size/weight at that price point is really good.

TBH I got both mine at a discounted price when the were discontinued. If I were looking now at the PRX800 series price point I'd probably consider the offerings by SRX, Yamaha, JTR and others In the next price bracket.

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I'm currently using Mackie SWA1501, 2 or 4 depending on venue size. I know anything would be an improvement although they do a respectable job most of the time.

The only difference between the 718XLF and the 818XLF is the addition of the Wireless capability and the Harman Connected PA app. Both units have the same driver, weight, Freq Response etc. I have several of 718ís, purchased at a discount (first pair) and picked up another pair from a fellow PSW member. I use them under srx812pís or prx712ís depending on need and venue.

Patís suggestions are spot on for a start. The KW181ís, while considered dated by todayís models, has retained itís value very well and continues to be a solid workhorse though I personally have not heard them. If youíre not in a hurry and ok with used, periodically check the Marketplace forum as these and other units do come up for sale. Finally, whatís your budget?

I have a PRX818XLFW, and I'm VERY happy with the sound. It is a beast of a cab though, and no casters. They sound way better than the QSC to me, and they look super pro with my JBL tops.

That said, you already have K12's. Are you also considering moving to JBL mains?There is something to be said for matching tops and bottoms. Aesthetically speaking, it's important. But I don't particularly like the sound of the KW181.

The only difference between the 718XLF and the 818XLF is the addition of the Wireless capability and the Harman Connected PA app. Both units have the same driver, weight, Freq Response etc. I have several of 718ís, purchased at a discount (first pair) and picked up another pair from a fellow PSW member. I use them under srx812pís or prx712ís depending on need and venue.

Patís suggestions are spot on for a start. The KW181ís, while considered dated by todayís models, has retained itís value very well and continues to be a solid workhorse though I personally have not heard them. If youíre not in a hurry and ok with used, periodically check the Marketplace forum as these and other units do come up for sale. Finally, whatís your budget?Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I don't have a set budget but would like to stay around $2000. I'll keep an eye out for used 718's too. I don't have a set timetable but would like to be into new subs before the busy season starts.

The KW181's sound like one note wonders to me. They have lots of output, but it just seems to all be in a very small range of frequencies. They are punchy, but of course all within that small range. DJ's love them, I could live without them.

That being said I think the PRX is a great series and will double on what another said. For the cost of the PRX, just save a few hundred more and get the SRX. The SRX is not kidding around. They sound amazing and get plenty loud. You can get used SRX's for around the $1k mark or less.

Came upon a informal powered sub listening gathering this weekend while visiting a friend. It was a very small mix of djís and band members at this gathering. 2 1/2 hrs were spent listening and comparing. Single sub of Prx718xlf, srx818sp, kw181, harbringer, ev(donít remember the model) were on site. A single prx712p was on mains. To my ears, srx was the clear winner in sound quality. Srx sounds fuller, goes deeper and fills the coverage area very nicely. Prx has a more focused sound, goes deep but not as the srx. Kw is more punchy but does not play as deep as Prx. Kw is very compact and easy for transport. Srx is large and a bit bulky but sound darn good. Prx is the happy medium in the transport category.

As others have said, Prx subs are very good subs but Srx are better.

I am waiting for someone to compare JTR c212 proís to SRX, PRX, KW, in sound quality and output.

Came upon a informal powered sub listening gathering this weekend while visiting a friend. It was a very small mix of djís and band members at this gathering. 2 1/2 hrs were spent listening and comparing. Single sub of Prx718xlf, srx818sp, kw181, harbringer, ev(donít remember the model) were on site. A single prx712p was on mains. To my ears, srx was the clear winner in sound quality. Srx sounds fuller, goes deeper and fills the coverage area very nicely. Prx has a more focused sound, goes deep but not as the srx. Kw is more punchy but does not play as deep as Prx. Kw is very compact and easy for transport. Srx is large and a bit bulky but sound darn good. Prx is the happy medium in the transport category.

As others have said, Prx subs are very good subs but Srx are better.

I am waiting for someone to compare JTR c212 proís to SRX, PRX, KW, in sound quality and output.

Luis, I too would like to know how the C212's stack up with those popular models.

The kw-181 is the winner to my way of thinking. For one thing it integrates perfectly with your K12ís. I have just a ton of gigs on mine and they have been trouble free and they sound great. I do tend to roll the extreme lows out bit. That is all it takes to get them from DJ - which they do well- to general sound support.

In my area they show up on CL for 800 to 1000 per unit in good condition. I would have no issue buying used with an audition.